One poacher was arrested with a dead Gadwall last month, the officer said.

Poachers hunt migratory birds for their meat after the winged guests arrive at the lagoon to spend the winter. The meat of such birds is in high demand in Balugaon, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur, the officer said.

“We have set up 19 anti-poaching camps to keep an eye on the bird hunters,” said the DFO.

The security in the 1,100-square-kilometer lake has been strengthened by engaging 10 country-made boats and two powerboats for patrolling, said the forest officer.

The forest department has also sought police deployment in an around the lake to prevent poaching, he said.